The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has introduced a comprehensive package of rule reforms designed to improve match tempo, reduce time-wasting, and enhance disciplinary transparency. These laws will make their major tournament debut at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
1. Time-Wasting Restrictions
Restart Countdowns: Referees use a visual 5-second countdown for throw-ins and goal kicks. Delay results in change of possession or a corner kick.
Substitution Speed: Players must exit the pitch within 10 seconds at the nearest boundary. Delays prevent the substitute from entering for one minute of play.
Off-Field Treatment: Injured outfield players receiving treatment must remain off the pitch for one minute after play resumes (with safety exceptions).
2. Disciplinary & Anti-Discrimination
Protest Walk-offs: Players leaving the pitch to protest referee decisions receive a straight red card.Officials inciting such actions face sanctions; teams abandoning matches forfeit the result.
Mouth-Covering: Players covering their mouths during confrontational situations face a potential red card to prevent the use of discriminatory slurs.
Ref Cameras: Competitions may authorize referees to wear body-mounted cameras for transparency.
3. Expanded VAR Powers
Disciplinary Reviews: VAR can review clearly incorrect second yellow cards (resulting in a red) and instances of mistaken identity.
Set-Piece Corrections: VAR can immediately correct wrongly awarded corner kicks and review fouls committed after a stoppage but before a set-piece restart.
4. Game Flow
Hydration Breaks: Mandatory 3-minute breaks near the 22nd minute of each half, at the referee's discretion.
DOGSO Clarification: If a referee plays advantage on a foul that denies a goal-scoring opportunity and a goal is scored, the offender receives no caution.
Friendlies: Senior international friendlies now allow up to 8 substitutions (up to 11 by mutual agreement).
